How To Watch ‘Star Trek: Discovery’

Still not sure how and where to watch Star Trek: Discovery? You’re not alone. We’ve broken down all the info into a guide to help you find out where and when to watch in your country

Discovery starts with a special 2-part (2 episode) premiere and will run for a total of 15 episodes for the first season. The season will be broken into two parts with a break starting November and scheduled to pick up again in January 2018.

USA: Discovery premieres Sunday, Sept. 24 on CBS All Access

In the United States Star Trek: Discovery is an exclusive original show for the CBS All Access streaming service and premieres Sunday, September 24th.

The first episode (Part 1 of the two-hour premiere) will be available on CBS All Access at 8:30PM ET / 5:30PM PT.

The second episode (Part 2) will be available exclusively on CBS All Access at 9:30PM ET / 6:30PM PT.

Subsequent episodes will be available at 8:30PM ET / 5:30PM PT starting Sunday, October 1st.

This streaming service from CBS costs $5.99 per month to subscribe ($9.99 without commercials). CBS All Access includes access to more than 9,000 episodes on demand – spanning current primetime, daytime and late night CBS series, as well as past seasons of select series and classic TV shows, including every episode of every Star Trek TV series.

CBS broadcast of Part 1 of premiere: In order to promote Star Trek: Discovery the first episode of the show (Part 1 of the 2-hour premiere) will be broadcast on the CBS Television Network on the same night as it is released on CBS All Access. To watch, tune in Sunday, September 24 at 8:30-9:30 PM, ET/PT (time approximate following NFL Football and 60 Minutes). To see part 2 of the pilot or any other episodes, you will have to subscribe to CBS All Access.

Canada: Discovery premieres Sunday, Sept. 24 on Space

The two-part pilot of Star Trek: Discovery premieres on the Space Channel on Sunday, September 24 at 8:30 PM ET. Subsequent episodes will air on Space on Sunday nights at 8:30PM ET starting October 1st.

Every episode will also be available to Space subscribers on the newly launched Space GO app, in addition to being available on Space.ca and participating On Demand channels. Star Trek: Discovery will also stream exclusively in Canada on the CraveTV streaming service starting Monday, September 25 at 10 p.m. ET.

CTV broadcast showing of Part 1 of premiere: To promote interest in Discovery, Part 1 of the premiere of Star Trek: Discovery will be broadcast on CTV at 8:30PM ET. To see the part 2 and all subsequent episodes you must subscribe to a cable or satellite package with Space Channel or the CraveTV streaming service.

Discovery will also be shown the Bell Media owned Z channel in French, starting on Sunday, September 24 at 9:00PM. With new episodes airing weekly Sundays at 9:00PM.

If you live outside of the USA and Canada watching Star Trek: Discovery is really straightforward. Netflix will launch Star Trek: Discovery on Monday, September 25, starting with the first 2 episodes (the same two hour premiere that was shown in the US and Canada on Sunday). Subsequent episodes will be released weekly on Mondays. According to Netflix, each episode will be available on Netflix within 24 hours of being being released in the US.

Star Trek: Discovery

Star Trek: Discovery will follow the voyages of Starfleet on their missions to discover new worlds and new life forms, and one Starfleet officer who must learn that to truly understand all things alien, you must first understand yourself. The series will feature a new ship and new characters while embracing the same ideology and hope for the future that inspired a generation of dreamers and doers.

Well, my plan is to watch the premiere on CBS, then wait until the first season is all available to stream, then subscribe for one month and watch the whole season at once, rather than subscribe for months on end to see each episode on a weekly basis. I hate this whole business model. What’s so wrong with ad-supported broadcast networks showing Star Trek? Is CBS ashamed of it?

CBS is not ashamed of it at all. They’re banking on Discovery shunting millions of new customers to their streaming service.

Like it or not, streaming is the next evolution of television. I’m not in the industry, but I predict broadcast network television will be gone by 2030.

September 15, 2017 7:21 am

Allister Gourlay

Totally agree it is the new future just look at what Outlander has done for Amazon!

September 15, 2017 7:24 am

Simon Jessey

Outlander is a STARZ property that is later added to Amazon Prime. I doubt it has made a significant impact to Amazon Prime’s subscriber base – certainly no more than other premium channel shows have.

September 15, 2017 8:23 am

Tiger2

The point being more and more are watching shows online than they do on the actual channels. This is the future. TV is not going away anytime soon but streaming is going to be just as important as cable is now in a few years time. Its already been noted Netflix has more subscribers than cable now but thats not a shock when it takes all of 5 minutes to sign up and its $9 a month. Again for reasons like that is why there is just becoming a bigger shift.

September 16, 2017 3:48 pm

Jim W

Ah …the BIG difference is what you get on Netflix, Amazon, HBO, Showtime, etc. The much bigger libraries and larger selections of content. A much better value than the 5.99 for a less robust content selection … I would basically be getting CBSAA for just Discovery and that really chaps me! I can more easily justify the other streaming services because the give me more for my $. CBSAA are you listening

September 17, 2017 4:07 am

Rob S

Just wait until a lot of those license holders start pulling their stuff from Netflix, Amazon, etc. Disney is already doing that.

September 17, 2017 2:34 pm

Kirok

The landscape of the biz will likely start to resemble cable for streaming services.

September 18, 2017 7:14 am

Curious Cadet

@windelkin — the same thing that’s wrong with any big bloated corporate model — the networks got fat and lazy and locked into cable and satellite business models that were consumer unfriendly, and didn’t adapt to the changes. Now, fewer and fewer people are watching the major networks year after year. Pay services like HBO and Showtime,msubscriptions sercices like Netflix, Amazon and Hulu are drawing more eyeballs, because it’s better content and more convenient for the viewer. With Apple and Disney jumping into it, the days of free ad-based network TV are coming to an abrupt end. Direct distribution streams are better for the studios, the customers, and will ultimately bring more and better choice.

September 15, 2017 8:36 am

The River Temarc

“Direct distribution streams are better for the studios, the customers, and will ultimately bring more and better choice.”

I’d also point out that because the revenue streams are more predictable and flatter, shows may be given a wide berth to appeal to more than the least common denominator, and niche shows may be given a lot longer to prove themselves. Nearly every good show since THE WEST WING has been on HBO, Showtime, Amazon, Netflix, etc.

TNG would never have lasted 7 seasons under the traditional ad-based network model, which is why it went to first-run syndication.

September 15, 2017 7:15 pm

Curious Cadet

@The River Temarc — excellent point. Many shows survived far longer in syndication without huge audiences specifically because they didn’t have the pressures of network TV audiences. THE ORVILLE could go either way, depending on fan support and improvements, but it would have been a safer bet on FX or HULU, especially if it takes a while to find itself.

September 16, 2017 8:17 am

Bryan

I went to look at CBSAA…you pay the entire year up front. It’s not monthly like Netflix. ☹️

September 15, 2017 8:40 am

Trex

You can unselect that option and pay monthly.

September 15, 2017 8:54 am

Bryan

Good to know, thanks! I didn’t see that option.

September 15, 2017 8:57 am

Eric Cheung

But you get a discount if you pay for the full year up front.

September 15, 2017 1:07 pm

Thorny

I pay monthly.

September 15, 2017 6:13 pm

Tiger2

Amazon use to just do all year plans and they put a stop to that a year ago. They realize they can’t compete that way with Netflix and Hulu. Its no way AA would’ve been an year up front only. But its nice for people who are really committed to it and want to save some money.

September 16, 2017 3:51 pm

Kirok

@windelkin

That is not a bad plan. One that I am seriously considering. The only part about this that really gets me is the streaming ONLY part of the deal. Would be nice if it were available via another means for those who still like to watch TV on their, you know, TV’s without having to buy extra doohicky’s and add ons. Modern TV’s are capable of streaming as well yet CBS does not seem to want any part of that as their service is not made to run on such modern devices. I’m not a conspiracy guy but this feels similar to the concept of weiners in 10 packs but buns in 8-packs.

September 15, 2017 10:22 am

Curious Cadet

@Kirok — huh? I have a CBSAA app on my smart TV, that’s running Android TV OS. What do you mean their service is not made to run on such modern devices? It’s possible CBSAA doesn’t support another TV OS at this time, but that’s exactly what CBSAA is designed to run on.

September 15, 2017 11:23 am

Kirok

@curious

First, CBS still says it won’t work on smart tv browsers. Next, I’ve been looking for a CBSAA app on my tv for months. Checked updates. Nothing. Manufacturer says they have nothing and not heard if they will. I’m using a nice Samsung that is a mere 2.5 years old. Other apps get added and removed. No CBSAA app. And we are only 9 days away. I suspect if they were going to have an app they would have done so by now. It seems like CBSAA is designed to run on tablets and phones. Those are the only devices that don’t need add on devices to make their service work.

September 15, 2017 11:50 am

TUP

@Kirok – if I recall, doesnt CBS’ own website explain which devices or OS’ you can watch All Access on your TV?

Its true there is not a Netflix style Smart TV app right now. One can strongly suspect they are working on it.

It seems weird now, but Netflix didnt always have dedicated buttons and whatnot. It will come in time.

September 15, 2017 12:09 pm

Kirok

@TUP

CBS does indeed have a webpage explaining these things. It says their service doesn’t work on smart tv’s the last time I checked a couple of weeks ago. It says if you want to watch on your tv you must purchase an external device.

There is a Netflix app on my tv. There are hulu, amazon, and a host of other streaming apps there too. Not only that, but there was a Netflix app on the first blu ray player I ever bought many many years ago.

They may be working on the app but to not have one at this late hour before the launch of their flagship property does not bode well for their service. I’d wager when Disney starts their service it will be much easier to get on TV than CBS’s is.

September 15, 2017 1:04 pm

TUP

To say you cant watch on TV isnt accurate then. Just because CBS doesnt have their own app. Its still available on TV if you want.

Looking at their website:

Apple
Android
Chromecast
FireTV
PS4
Xbox
Roku

Also, Ipads & iPhones – can you send the signal to your screen using one of those? I think you can with Windows.

But anyway, point is, despite the lack of imbedded CBSAA app, they have multiple ways to watch it on your TV. And yes, if you have none, then you have to buy a device.

But then again, if you dont have Internet you have to buy that too.

September 15, 2017 2:00 pm

Kirok

@TUP

Read again please. I never said you “can’t” watch on a TV. I said it doesn’t work on smart TV browsers and there is no app. And in my reply to windelkin I said there was no way to watch on TV without having to buy some sort of add on device. And yes, one can mirror a screen but again its extra hurdles to ask your customers to jump through. Normally the easier you make it for your customers the more likely they will want to use your service. CBS hasn’t quite figured that part out yet. Maybe they will eventually….

September 15, 2017 2:24 pm

Curious Cadet

@Kirok — as I pointed out above, there may be no way for YOU to natively watch CBSAA on your Samsung Smart TV, but that doesn’t mean CBS doesn’t support ANY smart TVs. They support SONY smart TVs using Android TV OS. Samsung chose to develop their own much maligned Tizen OS, and developers have been slow to support it. So yes, CBS will eventually support it, too. While I agree they should ask customers to jump through as few hoops as possible, but I’d rather have them on the cutting edge of technology than catering to every custom OS out there, and risk getting it wrong. Most people already own a streaming box, particularly the demographic CBS is after, and those manufacturers seem to be CBS’ focus at this time. They’ve rolled the dice on this one, and as a result, some people are going to be left out. For some it’s going to be a learning experience about the future of entertainment technology. I have a fantastic smart TV, but the Android TV OS is less than ideal. So I mostly use my Apple TV anyway, despite CBSAA fully supporting my SONY TV. Go figure. And CBS likely knows this is the case.

September 16, 2017 9:04 am

TUP

So you’re complaining about something for no reason then?

September 19, 2017 11:59 am

Curious Cadet

@Kirok — FIRST, I can’t find a single spot on the CBS website that says it won’t work with a smart TV. And that would be incorrect if it did say that. SECOND, Smart TVs use customized mobile Apps, so your perception CBS is only supporting mobile devices is incorrect. My SONY smart TV uses Android TV OS. It has access to the Google Play store, the same one available on phones and tablets, which allows me to download the custom TV App for CBSAA. I’ve been using it now since March! So it’s absolutely incorrect to say CBSAA does not support SmartTVs. Your Samsung TV uses Tizen OS, which may not be supported by CBSAA at this time. In your case, you can’t really blame SAMSUNG for choosing to use their own proprietary OS and split from the major manufacturers. As a result, some developers prioritize Tizen porting last. I imagine at some point there will be a Tizen app if there’s not one now. I assume you’re familiar with the Tizen store on your smart TV, the same one a Samsung mobile phone and tablet uses, and that’s where you’re checking for CBSAA app? I don’t use Samsung products, so unfortunately I can’t help you. It might be worth writing to them to find out why they don’t support CBSAA, or vice versa. “Smart” TVs are a relatively new phenomenon. Prior to last year, Smart TVs were in their infancy, Samsung’s Tizen was one of the worst —… Read more »

September 16, 2017 8:51 am

Kirok

@Curious Cadet It is there on the cbsaa website in the FAQ section. The question is “why can’t I watch CBS All Access shows on my smart TV?” If it really does work on your smart tv then your beef is not with me, but with CBS misinforming potential customers. I’m just relaying what CBS is telling people. There is no Tizen store on my TV. It automatically updates new apps and there is a way I can check for updates manually and search for new apps. If have checked every week for the last few months. Nothing. Smart TV’s are not new. They have been around for years. For CBS to ignore that major convenience shows a lack of foresight on their part. Anyway, for the time being I think I will believe what cbs themselves say on their own website regarding smart tv use. Which is, nobody with a smart tv can watch CBSAA unless they buy some sort of add on. Which, btw, they don’t need for the other major streamers out there because those services are already available on smart TV’s. CBS is starting their service off with one foot already in a hole. I normally wouldn’t care but I’d like to see this new Trek show and CBS is demanding I jump through a bunch off hoops I shouldn’t have to to do it. I know a lot of people who stream but only one streams through and external device like a Roku. The rest… Read more »

September 18, 2017 7:59 am

TUP

Dude, you’ve been complaining about this for a long time. We get it. You also maintained you dont use netflix because streaming sucks. So what difference does it make? Wait for the disc and rent it for crying out loud.

September 19, 2017 12:00 pm

Shaun

A lot more creative freedom on their own service than on network television where you have to answer to advertisers, exec’s and weekly ratings.

September 15, 2017 11:21 am

Etymologicool

What’s wrong with that model? It’s outdated and only going to become more antiquated as time moves forward.

September 15, 2017 2:13 pm

Thorny

windelkin… “Well, my plan is to watch the premiere on CBS, then wait until the first season is all available to stream”

Nothing wrong with that at all. I only pay for my HBO NOW subscription when “Game of Thrones” has new episodes.

What’s so wrong with ad-supported broadcast is that the viewers just aren’t there anymore. Too much competition from basic-cable, pay-cable, and streaming. Network broadcast TV is in a state of collapse, with viewership numbers half of what they were when Paramount launched “Star Trek: The Next Generation” in 1987, and dropping.

Monday morning will be the new Sunday for us in the UK – thank goodness we run my business from home!
Very frustrating for those who have to go to work on a Monday morning!!
Looking toward to this! Just have to keep of Facebook and websites on a Monday am..don’t want any spoilers!!

September 15, 2017 7:23 am

DIGINON

It says Netflix will show it 24 hours after the US premiere. That wouldn’t be Monday morning, would it? But let’s wait and see.

September 16, 2017 6:01 am

ziplock9000

It says “Within 24 hours” not “24 hours after”. So more than likely midnight on the 24th/25th

September 16, 2017 8:12 pm

Bob Floyd

I REALLY want to watch Discovery. But there is absolutely nothing else on CBS that I want to watch. I hate to subsidize CBS this way, but I probably will. My next best option is to watch the episodes one year late, which isn’t much fun. I did that for a while when Stargate SG-1 started up on Showtime, but…

September 15, 2017 8:19 am

Kirok

I hear you Bob. I do that for GoT. Hard to avoid the big spoilers but there are enough smaller ones that I don’t get until I see the show because no one talks about them.

I’m with you. This far there is nothing on CBSAA worth looking at besides Trek that I have heard about. Which makes it even more irritating.

September 15, 2017 10:27 am

Danpaine

You are not alone in that frustration, totally agreed. At least if they had the option to buy the season on ITunes (or through other services), CBS could still get their money and we wouldn’t get stuck paying for a whole service to see one show we’re interested in. I hope the show does well, but also hope this U.S. business model fails for CBS big time. Time will tell…

September 15, 2017 10:51 am

Kirok

@Dan

The only way CBS might not blame Trek for a potential failure of CBSAA in general is if there are a substantial number of subscribers when the show is on and an equally substantial number that bail when it ends. Huge post season one month subscribers might open their eyes too.

September 15, 2017 10:58 am

Danpaine

Kirok, they’re probably hoping people sign up for the year, or simply forget to cancel during the mid-season break/after the season is over. Because I see no reason to be paying for this thing when DISC is on hiatus.

September 15, 2017 11:02 am

Kirok

@Dan

We seem to be on similar pages. I really think CBS is counting on consumer laziness. People just not bothering to temporarily cancel the service.

September 15, 2017 11:53 am

TUP

If Trek drives new subs and those new subs cancel when Trek is done for the season, the best case scenario might be ANOTHER Trek series.

CBS’ stated hopes for subs is not unreasonable and they know it will take time. Assuming there is no political change at CBS, Discovery would have to be a super flop to not get another season.

September 15, 2017 12:08 pm

TUP

Are you suibsedizing CBS or paying $1.50 an episode for Star Trek? If someone paints your house, you pay them. If someone drives you from A to B, you pay them. If someone creates new Star Trek, it should be free? No, pay them.

Yes, you already pay for CBS as part of your cable bill so if they put it there, sure, its not a “new fee”. But in Canada, many people dont have Space (I do, but I didnt always, it came in some other group I added awhile back). So people have to add it if they want to.

Its really a small price. Now, I know there are people less fortunate but if $1.50 is too much for a new episode, honestly, the idea of cable TV and OTT etc isnt a conversation we should be having anyway.

September 15, 2017 11:27 am

Jeff

Or you might say it’s $2.50 per episode for the commercial free plan.

Meanwhile over on Google Play and Vudu you can get a season 2 pass for MacGyver, Scorpion, and others for under $1.50 per episode, and they don’t expire when you stop subscribing. Of course if you are actually interested in multiple shows then CBS:AA makes sense.

However if all you want is Star Trek, then $1.50 or $2.50 for a one time viewing is a bit of a rip off compared to other shows from CBS on Google Play and Vudu.

I guess we’ll see if Star Trek comes to Google Play and Vudu, but so far it’s not there.

September 15, 2017 1:04 pm

TUP

Yes, but All Access is “new”, in the sense CBS is actually supporting and pushing it now (its been around but not pushed). So the idea is that $1.50 gets lower and lower and lower as you become interested in more of their content.

There was a time when you didnt subscribe to Netflix because it wasnt worth it. Then something made you subscribe (I think for me it was…shoot, I cant remember haha).

September 15, 2017 1:57 pm

Jeff

Then there’s also the fact that the US is the only audience that has to pay extra on top of their existing Netflix or Cable subscription to see it. The only group.

September 15, 2017 1:07 pm

Danpaine

I think that’s what is burning my a** the most about this, Jeff. It’s not the extra $7 a month. I’ve had Netflix for years, love it. I like a bunch of their original programming. Just give DISC to me on Netflix, like the rest of the world.

September 15, 2017 1:20 pm

TUP

@Jeff – Canada does too.

Plus, what if you dont have Netflix in, say, England. Are you equally outraged that you have to pay for it? I realise Netflix is pretty common now at 100 millions subscribers. But still, not EVERYONE has Netflix. if you do, it still doesnt make Star Trek free.

September 15, 2017 1:55 pm

Disinvited

TUP,

Also not everyone owns a TV. If one doesn’t, DISC’s pilot being broadcast on CBS isn’t free to thee.

September 15, 2017 4:09 pm

TUP

Exactly. Tv is free right? Lol.

September 16, 2017 10:52 am

Kirok

@Jeff

Yep. And that irritates me to no end as well. I’m guess I’m going to have to buy some extra device and pay for the stinking service just for Trek. (And Trek is the only show that will get me to do it). But I will complain about having to jump through all those annoying hoops to do it. ;)

September 15, 2017 2:31 pm

TUP

Also make sure your internet tier supports streaming so you dont have constant buffering like with Netflix.

September 18, 2017 9:57 am

DIGINON

I don’t live in the US or Canada and I will have to sign up for Netflix specifically to watch Discovery. So it’s not like everybody is subscribed to Netflix already.

September 15, 2017 3:54 pm

Curious Cadet

@Jeff — they also have to pay extra on top of their existing cable or satellite subscription to watch HBO, Cinemax, Starz, or any other premium pay service. If a person is only interested in seeing Westworld, because they don’t give a crap about GoT, they’re going to have to pay a huge subscription fee to HBO to see it. HBO prices their service to cover all those other feature films, and some original programming, but most of that is already available through Netflix or Amazon Prime. So no, this argument isn’t really valid, especially outside the US where many people don’t currently subscribe to Netflix either.

September 16, 2017 9:11 am

ziplock9000

Not when it’s a painter that charges $1.50 for one pot of paint, when others charge $8.00 for 1000’s of pots. Your analogy does not work.

September 16, 2017 8:14 pm

Simon Jessey

CBS didn’t need “All Access” for this show. It already has SHOWTIME ANYTIME with similar pricing, and Showtime seems like a better fit for “Star Trek: Discovery” anyway.

September 15, 2017 8:21 am

Danpaine

Grousing about the CBSAA reality won’t work anymore. It’s here, it’s the only way to see the show (unless you want to pirate it). I don’t like the fact that we (in the U.S.) have to pay a separate fee for basically one show I like on a network any more than anyone else, but that’s the hand we’ve been dealt, sadly.

September 15, 2017 8:27 am

Curious Cadet

@Simon — Showtime is too limited a service, as is Showtime itself. CBSAA is a forward looking service that will eventually probably roll Showtime’s original programming into it.

September 15, 2017 8:38 am

Danpaine

With the exception of Homeland and Shameless, both of which are ending soon, Showtime Anytime isn’t that hot for us. We may drop it in the not-too-distant future.

September 15, 2017 9:09 am

Kirok

Yes Danpine… I forgot about Homeland. Which was actually pretty good. I see it over a year after it airs, though. Bummed that I heard a major spoiler already.

September 15, 2017 10:36 am

Danpaine

And I know what spoiler you heard, Kirok. Yes, that is a total drag, but it’s still a great season. Worth a watch.

September 15, 2017 10:44 am

Kirok

@Curious Cadet

How is Showtime more limiting? It’s available to both cable subscribers and streaming subscribers. Seems to me it is more versatile.

September 15, 2017 10:34 am

Theoden of ODU

Exactly! There’s already millions of people who get Showtime through their traditional cable packages, plus it can be purchased separately (like CBSAA). It’s also available as an add-on on other services such as Hulu. Seems like a no-brainer. I don’t mind having a few different streaming channels I subscribe to. My wife and I still have traditional cable. I also have Hulu Plus (with the no-commercial upgrade), Amazon Prime (which is good for both for shipping items and for streaming), as well as Netflix. There’s a few niche web content sites I’m subscribed to, some which have apps. I can’t be hyped up about this show, so Star Trek Discovery is going to have to “blow me away” to even have me consider picking up CBSAA since it will likely be the only show I’ll ever watch on the app (I have not decided on my own to watch a single CBS program in at least 15 years, so I can’t see CBSAA being any different regarding my tastes). I see CBS coming out with CBSAA instead of leveraging the already existing Showtime Anytime as an attempt of squeezing every last dollar they can out of the consumer. “Why have one service when you can have people pay for two?” I think every other network is going to eventually do the same. Universal will have various NBC and cable property streaming-only options instead of just one. Disney and Fox probably will too. In the end, for people who don’t want… Read more »

September 15, 2017 11:24 am

Curious Cadet

@Kirok — because it is a subscription based service with far more limited programing than the competition, originally conceived for a Pay Cable platform. CBSAA appears to be designed to launch and entire programming platform with all original CBS-owned content which will some day likely add Showtime into that mix. A substantial part of Showtime’s programming is not original, but just like HBO, Amazon, Netflix, et al, mostly offers 3rd party movies and TV series. As studios like Disney begin pulling their product back from such duplicate package deals, and offers it only on their own platform, Showtime by itself is going to offer a diminishing value to potential subscribers, unless CBS intends to spin it off as its own original programming entity, in which case they will have to substantially increase their commitment to it. Considering Star Trek is not going to Showtime, that doesn’t seem like the probable long term plan.

September 15, 2017 11:41 am

Kirok

@Curious Cadet

Well… CBSAA is a subscribption based service with limited programming as well. Quite frankly, I see more better programming currently on Showtime than what I have read is on CBSAA. Just because it was originally concieved as a pay cable outlet does not mean it is not capable of becoming more. Showtime Anytime is evidence of that. Everything you say that CBSAA is could easilly be moved over to Showtime and make it better than it currently is. I think Theoden of ODU has it right when he speaks about CBS is looking to double and tripple dip subscribers. And that other services will probably head that way too. Maybe such a model is sustainable. Maybe not. I think the odds are greater is is not, however.

September 15, 2017 12:03 pm

Curious Cadet

@Kirok — more people know what CBS is than Showtime. And the fact is Showtime is a cable service, with contractual obligations through various cable and satellite providers to cover it. CBSAA not only has stronger brand recognition, but it’s completely un encumbered by those cable deals. But it’s clear you’re not thinking about how the brand grows over time, nor that Showtime is primarily an agrigator of other studios programming, with a few original productions. CBS Producers many times the amount of Showtime original programming, so you’re immediately wrong in your comparison on that front. Add to that CBS is the stronger brand which identifies for consumers the product they are purchasing, then it becomes clear which is the better brand to promote. Showtime, may well remain as a boutique production service within CBSAA, but it makes far less sense to make that the flagship portal for the long term success of the company. Even Paramount is rebranding TV Land as the Paramount network, in order to promote its brand. This is basic marketing 101.

September 16, 2017 9:18 am

Kirok

@Curious Cadet Sure. Most know CBS better than Showtime. But I’d say more know Showtime over CBSAA by a much wider margin. Your perception that is it clear I am ignorant to the concept of growing a brand over time is 100% false. There is no evidence of that. Showtime does have things from other studios but they have a more than “a few” originals too. That is something you are forgetting. That is not surprising as Showtime is lagging far behind HBO in the premium channel brand recognition. (Which goes back to why Showtime would be the better home for Trek but that’s another discussion). CBS does indeed produce way more content than Showtime. They have to. They are still a major network. They produce much more than Netflix, Hulu and HBO. And they all have a ton more than CBSAA is making. But that is apples and oranges. For the record, I never compared the content of the CBS Television network to Showtime. Not sure where you got that from. Showtime is hardly the “boutique” of CBSAA. They really have nothing in common except for both being a part of the CBS family. You are talking about CBSAA as if it is the exact same thing as the main CBS Television network. It’s not. It is really currently the “boutique” of CBS. They have hopes it can be more. But that is as far as it goes. Currently, Showtime is for sure the stronger brand when comparing CBSAA… Read more »

September 18, 2017 8:36 am

TUP

Werent you warned off about this constant arguing over this subject? Changing handles is a great idea to refresh your image but dont just jump into the deep end of silliness.

Let it go.

September 18, 2017 9:56 am

Kirok

You are mistaken sir. I was never warned off about anything. I have, however, read the site for a short while before commenting and have noticed that it was you have been warned along with the guy you were flaming perhaps twice. You were also warned about personal attacks at least one other time. And those are the only times I have actually seen. God only knows how many other times you may have been warned. I’d rather not get involved in your little crusades but seeing that you post to seemingly every person who writes something on the board it is a difficult prospect at best. But I will endeavor to try. This thread is old and I’m done with it. Particularly after seeing the many baiting posts you are leaving for me. You, of course, do as you will.

September 19, 2017 12:03 pm

TUP

Read an article about how Netflix pays something like half a BILLION dollars to Disney for programming. So Disney’s idea to pull their content…man, they NEED a lot of subs to make that worth it.

I think they might soften their idea to a non-exclusive. Because archive content isnt the main driver. Even if its non exclusive, a Disney channel is going to have opportunities other OTT’s and channels wont.

I bet a lot of parents would sub to Disney just knowing they can turn it on and not have to monitor content all day.

September 15, 2017 12:06 pm

Kirok

“I bet a lot of parents would sub to Disney just knowing they can turn it on and not have to monitor content all day.”

They can do that now. No need to subscribe to a Disney streamer.

September 15, 2017 1:10 pm

Curious Cadet

@Kirok — you seem to think Cable TV is the best delivery method ever. It’s not. Not for customers, not for studios. The only people cable is good for is the monopolistic cable companies. Want proof? How else could Comcast cable buy Universal and NBC?

September 16, 2017 9:20 am

Kirok

@Kirok @Curious Cadet It is there on the cbsaa website in the FAQ section. The question is “why can’t I watch CBS All Access shows on my smart TV?” If it really does work on your smart tv then your beef is not with me, but with CBS misinforming potential customers. I’m just relaying what CBS is telling people. There is no Tizen store on my TV. It automatically updates new apps and there is a way I can check for updates manually and search for new apps. If have checked every week for the last few months. Nothing. Smart TV’s are not new. They have been around for years. For CBS to ignore that major convenience shows a lack of foresight on their part. Anyway, for the time being I think I will believe what cbs themselves say on their own website regarding smart tv use. Which is, nobody with a smart tv can watch CBSAA unless they buy some sort of add on. Which, btw, they don’t need for the other major streamers out there because those services are already available on smart TV’s. CBS is starting their service off with one foot already in a hole. I normally wouldn’t care but I’d like to see this new Trek show and CBS is demanding I jump through a bunch off hoops I shouldn’t have to to do it. I know a lot of people who stream but only one streams through and external device like a Roku. The… Read more »

September 18, 2017 8:50 am

TUP

You do understand how convenient streaming is right? Anywhere. Anytime.

September 16, 2017 10:51 am

Kirok

Get back to me when I can stream on a 55″ screen with surround sound anytime anywhere to tell me about how convenient streaming is.

September 18, 2017 8:55 am

TUP

@Kirok – –

I stream Netflix on my 65″ with 4K video and 7.1 surround sound.

If you cant stream Netflix in HD thats your problem not the service.

And if you’re trying to criticise the idea that while you can watch OTT anytime anywhere on a tablet or lap top but not surround sound, well, stop being obtuse.

Ofcourse you can stream to your 55″ TV.

September 18, 2017 9:55 am

Kirok

@TUP

So you carry around a 55″ tv everywhere you go? You are certainly a unique individual. :)

September 19, 2017 11:52 am

TUP

@Kirok dont be obtuse. You took exception to my remark that you can stream anytime anywhere by saying you want to stream on your TV. I noted that I stream on my TV all the time. What does it have to do with carrying a TV around?

You’ve whined about streaming for a year. So give it a rest. Stop attacking everyone else because YOU dont want to stream.

September 19, 2017 12:03 pm

Kirok

@Simon

Someone else here said the same thing some time ago and it made a ton of sense.

CBS better suddenly come up with some better content than what they have on their over the air channel if they want AA to survive. Even the current offerings on Showtime aren’t all that hot. Showtime really could have used Trek. But alas, CBS didn’t think so.

September 15, 2017 10:30 am

Danpaine

Agreed, Kirok. Showtime could’ve used that shot in the arm. And I already pay to stream it, which would have been very cool for me.

September 15, 2017 10:37 am

Kirok

I don’t even pay for Showtime. And I still think it would be the better platform for a new Trek show, Dan.
But I’m not actually in the business. I just follow it as a hobby.

September 15, 2017 11:02 am

TUP

You have a lot of the same views as someone who doesn’t seem to posts here anymore

Kirok, did you post regularly under a different handle?

September 16, 2017 10:50 am

TUP

Isnt CBS the most popular network? Im not sure they’re worried about content. They need more for All Access but theyve admitted as much. If I recall there were issues related to licensing etc where they couldnt just put all their CBS programming on AA. But that is changing.

September 15, 2017 11:17 am

Kirok

Looking at what is currently available on CBSAA they certainly don’t seem to concerned about content.

September 15, 2017 12:06 pm

TUP

CBS is well aware of the content struggles. They said there were reasons they had less content. They will change that.

They had subs increase off the back of Good Fight. They will for Star Trek. I think they are measuring the success… its very expensive.

I agree, they NEED more original content for AA to succeed the way they claim they want it to. If they change course, Star Trek could find a home somewhere else.

Hopefully the subs increase and it tells CBS to make MORE Trek!

September 15, 2017 12:51 pm

Thorny

I think CBS made a mistake in some of the series they canceled in the past year or so. They should have moved “Limitless” and “Person of Interest” to CBSAA Originals. Both shows had loyal followings.

September 15, 2017 6:42 pm

Disinvited

Thorny,

Re: CBS made a mistake

I agree, as did Paramount before them.

Although I had my concerns that PoI was devolving into THE FORBIN PROJECT — not that TFP was in any way bad, but I just didn’t see PoI’s The Machine that way.

September 15, 2017 9:09 pm

Thorny

Simon… Showtime at one time had well-made and popular science fiction original series. That’s where “Stargate SG-1” and “The Outer Limits” (’90s relaunch) achieved their fame and fan-followings. Then Showtime decided that they weren’t making enough money on them, and sold them off to basic cable (Sci-Fi, now SyFy) where quality deteriorated rapidly and they were eventually canceled. They basically purged science fiction series from their line-up around 2002.

Not much has changed with them since.

September 15, 2017 6:37 pm

Disinvited

Thorny,

SG-1 deteriorated rapidly? SG-1 aired on SyFy for 5 seasons matching every one of the number of seasons Showtime produced and SyFy went on to produce two spinoffs as well. Quality suffered due to less funds available for the production proper but any show long in the tooth runs into this with problems of the expenses of raises and benefits of long term employees both in front and behind of the camera increasing the costs as each additional season is renewed..

And lets not forget, Paramount owned Showtime during SG-1’s tenure there so this was another Paramount bean counter move, i.e. not much has changed with THEM since.

September 15, 2017 9:01 pm

Danpaine

Can someone give me a recent, honest assessment of how the CBSAA service itself is? All I’ve heard is sad tales of buffering issues, episodes of things stopping, bad picture quality. I’ll be a lot more likely to pay $10 a month if it’s a solid product. If this show is being broadcast on a crap platform, I’m afraid I’m going to go to the dark side and see it not exactly on the up-and-up.

Any assessments appreciated. Thank you.

September 15, 2017 8:25 am

Eric Cheung

I have a BlackBerry KEYone, which is a brand new Android phone, which I bought nearly two months ago. I tried downloading the CBS All Access app Ver. 2.2.2 and was unable to do so as it didn’t believe the device was up to spec. I downloaded a previous version, 2.1.5 and I signed up for the service and could stream to my Chromecast by streaming the entire screen to the TV, so I had the status bar on the top. I also couldn’t use the blue buttons on the left. So I didn’t know how I could use the service with any practicality. It took me a while to figure out, but the solution to the problem was that I downloaded the regular CBS app. I was still able to stay logged in to my CBS All Access account, and access to its library and live stream, while still having the full functionality of the CBS app. I’m currently able to cast it directly to the TV through Chromecast, by tapping the Chromecast icon on the CBS screen (the one that looks like the RSS icon), and have the regular picture, as intended, without the extraneous stuff from the rest of the phone screen readout. As far as the library is concerned, I don’t really know if it’s better or worse than other services, but I will say that the different services certainly decide to push different shows. The first night I had CBS All Access, I watched the… Read more »

September 15, 2017 8:48 am

Danpaine

Thanks very much, Eric. I could run it through either my Apple TV or Roku. There’s not much in the way of CBS shows from the past (or present) I’m interested in seeing again (I love The Twilight Zone, but have it on disc and it’s on Hulu), but your comment about CBS Sunday Morning is a good point. Didn’t think of that. Thanks again for your feedback.

September 15, 2017 9:01 am

TUP

Im Canadian so cant tell you. But the very few reports here were people saying the quality was good and no buffering issues. Hopefully they are ready for an influx of new subs on Sunday.

September 15, 2017 8:58 am

Danpaine

Thanks, TUP. I’ve picked up that you’re from Canada in the past. Yes, I’m also interested to see if there’s enough people storming the gates that night that they crash CBS’ server. My instinct is to watch part one, then 1) see if I like it (I probably will), and 2) wait until the next day(s) to sign-up or not. I’ll be away on business that Sunday night anyway, so I may even miss the first ‘free’ episode.

September 15, 2017 9:06 am

TUP

I hope CBS is ready but I also fear there will be issues on Sunday night. Its completely possible.

I followed the launch of WWE Network and we’re talking way less subs than CBS All Access. They had lots of problems at first and that was using the highly experienced and highly acclaimed MLB service to run it. They have zero issues now (and it didnt take long to correct).

But night one, could be problems. Especially if they are flooded with last minute sign ups. I’d suspect they have the infrastructure to handle the amount of people watching at once. One hopes, anyway.

September 15, 2017 11:04 am

Doug

I personally have no complaints with the service streaming through my Roku. There was one time I experienced it skipping a bit, but pressing the button the rewinds it 8 seconds (or however long it is) fixed it for the entire show.

September 15, 2017 9:30 am

Danpaine

That’s great news, Doug. Thanks very much.

September 15, 2017 10:36 am

DNA11011

I had CBSAA for several months on ROKU to give it a fair shot. It has the worst advertising algorithm of any service. If you choose to pay the lower fee you will be bobarded with as many as nine commercials during each break. That includes before the program even begins. Many times the app would fail, causing you to watch all nine commercials again, and don’t even try to fast forward or you’ll be sitting through all nine again, then five more for the regular break that you skipped over. One day I spent fifteen minutes just to get to one spot in an episode of a show because, oh yeah, the app doesn’t remember where you paused. So you’re paying for a premium service and it has nine ads per break? Seriously? And many of those nine ads are the same commercial repeated. I’m sure they just make it annoying so you will pay the higher fee. So this is the way it is? Not true. The CW has all its shows on a free app, and right now most of those are the hottest shows going. And there is absolutely no way you can compare CBSAA To Netflix price wise. For the same price Netflix has a huge amount of content; CBSAA, not so much. So called free tv is never free. They have commercials to pay the bills. Okay. Then pay sevices came along and the commercial breaks were there but on services like Hulu, they… Read more »

September 17, 2017 7:38 am

Danpaine

Thanks very much, DNA. Very helpful details.

September 17, 2017 10:32 am

Curious Cadet

I’m gonna sign up with CBSAA on 9/24 and get the free 1 month new subscriber trial. So I’ll get the first 5 episodes for free. If I don’t like DISC enough to pay extra for it, then I’ll probably cancel my account at the end of the free trial, and wait to sign up for it next year and binge all the episodes for one month, and cancel again if CBSAA isn’t offering me enough for my subscription. This really isn’t that hard a decision — for anyone. The only people for whom this is a difficult decision are those who have no idea how to stream to their TV — in which case, this is a wake up call and investment that will prepare them for the future.

September 15, 2017 8:43 am

TUP

@Cadet – I think you hit the nail on the head. The people most complaining repeatedly here seem to be people with an overall issue with streaming, including some who have issues with Netflix.

Its weird. Even my 70+ year old parents have wifi and netflix and even stream the BBC channel. But it can be intimidating until you actually do it and realise how easy it is.

About two years ago I had to upgrade my wifi because of how many things (and high quality things) we were streaming. So there is cost there.

A friend of mine had a home security system installed that streams HD video from multiple cameras and he found he needed to upgrade his internet one tier to fully appreciate and use it.

CBS is banking on people liking Trek enough to go to that initial trouble to sign up…and then either they like AA or they forget to cancel or cant be bothered to cancel. Basically the same thing as early Netflix where you’d sign up for one show…and then everytime they had a new launch less and less people cancelled.

But Churn is likely the biggest issue facing streaming services. They need good content. In a content competitive world, the consumer should win!

September 15, 2017 9:02 am

Kirok

@Cadet

I may do something similar but it is a major drag that the consumer even needs to go through all that multiple times a year. IMHO CBS is asking a LOT from their potential customers.

September 15, 2017 10:41 am

TUP

@Kirok – not really. They arent asking you sub, cancel, sub, cancel. Its the same with Netflix, HBO etc. I remember Sopranos…lots of people subbed to HBO to watch and then cancelled. In time, enough content was created all year to make it worth keeping. Same with Netflix.

The talk of a second Trek series, to me, makes sense if they see a rise in subs but a lot of cancellations as well and want to spread Trek out across the year.

Plus, is cancelling and subbing really a big process? I went online two days ago to buy movie tickets to see IT. Selected my city, theatre, screening, checked availability, selected my seats, entered my contact and payment info and was emailed confirmation. Is that really more difficult then signing up for All Access? Probably not. The difference is, we’re used to doing that for films.

September 15, 2017 11:02 am

Kirok

@TUP

No, they aren’t asking you to. They want you to subscribe and forget. The more savvy subscribers will add and cancel multiple times. But admittedly most will probably subscribe and forget. And no, it is not the same for the other services you mention. There is other stuff going on with them. Little reason to subscribe and cancel over and over.

I guess it’s not that big a deal if you live at your computer all day. But most don’t want to even be bothered with such a tiny detail. BTW… I’ve bought a lot of tickets on line. Never once for a move. I find no advantage in doing so.

September 15, 2017 12:13 pm

TUP

@Kirok, so you missed my point. Unless you’re suggesting Netflix, HBO, HULU etc all launched with all their original programming…?

HBO, it was well known that people would sub and cancel. The whole point of creating a schedule where popular programming is spread out (and not over-lapped) is to give people reason to keep their sub.

Im sure CBS has research that tells them X amount of people forget to cancel. But ultimately, a business plan based on people forgetting is not going to work long term.

The answer to churn is to create enough quality programming that people dont cancel.

All CBS is asking you to do is pay for Star Trek. If its worth $1.50 to you, great. if its not, dont watch.

September 15, 2017 12:47 pm

Kirok

Maybe I did miss your point. It sounded like your point was that CBS, like all subscriber based services, would rather you not subscribe and cancel multiple times. Which I though was pretty obvious and goes without saying. Pretty sure CBS would like to have more than just Trek to help keep the Trek only subscribers. But thus far, what I have heard what they have and what they have coming down the pipe sure doesn’t sound like anything I’d pay to see. And it sounds like a lot of others are feeling the same way.

All CBS wants is lots of new subscribers and Trek is their major bait. That’s all.

September 15, 2017 1:22 pm

TUP

Star Trek is premium content for sure. But The Good Fight generated subs too and is an acclaimed TV show. They also have Big Brother, which while not appealing to me, is pretty popular I gather.

You’re right that they will HAVE to have more original content. its really expensive though. But it will come.

What CBS wants is for Trek fans to sign up and decide that other things on the service are worth keeping it for. So it means maybe you’re a Good Fight fan. Or you try it and like it. And maybe that makes you watch the Good Wife in the archives. Maybe you decide, heck I have it, Ill keep it for this and that. Who knows.

Same with Good Fight fans…hoping they stick around for Trek etc. They HAVE to have more though. Especially when Trek is over and they dont have Good Fight or Trek for months.

September 15, 2017 1:54 pm

Kirok

I seriously doubt there is a lot of crossover among good fight and Trek viewers. It sounds more like cbs is trying to cover all bases. As they should. Sure there will be some crossover. Probably not many.

And I still suspect most will subscribe for Trek and just let the subscription run and not look at CBS again until the next Trek season. Which would be just fine with CBSAA investors.

September 15, 2017 2:38 pm

Curious Cadet

@Kirok — I understand what you mean, however, in the end, it’s actually far better for consumers. With cable, in order to cancel subscriptions, you have to call the cable company, and they have strong incentive to talk you out of it, or sell you something else, or bill you cancellation fees, or activation fees, etc. With digital services, you sign up and drop services whenever you want, without a high pressure sales pitch by a cable operator. This is win win for the customer. So if you sign up for HBO just to watch GofT and there’s nothing else of interest to you that you want to keep paying that extra subscription for, then you just cancel, and sign up again the following season. In the meantime, maybe you want to sign up for Showtime to see Ray Donovan. We’re entering into a new era, one in which I actually think we have greater control. It just all depends on how you look at it. I realized I was paying a fortune in fees every month to DirecTV, mostly for programming I never watched. When I started looking at what I really watched, I realized that rather than just paying a flat fee month after month for channels I didn’t watch, and premium services I wasn’t interested in, I was able to cut my annual entertainment bill considerably. Yes, that’s not as convenient as signing up with a service once, and just rolling with whatever they program, but now… Read more »

September 15, 2017 12:32 pm

Kirok

@Curious Cadet I am pleased you found a way to make it work for you. But with cable there always seems to be something going on. I set my DVR to record stuff and don’t pay attention to when it starts or stops. Yet no matter what time of year everyone in my household has plenty of stuff cued up and ready to roll whenever they like. Sometimes it takes us some time to get through the cue. No biggie. There times when the recording is less active. Plenty of time to catch up. I find it totally worth it and the convienance is off the charts. I do not pay for stuff I will never watch. And there are even some levels I would like to get but don’t because there are other ways to get the content. I’ve heard of some people paying hundreds of dollars for cable but I honestly have no idea how that can happen unless you go balls out for everything they offer. My rates are nowhere near that high and I get everything I want and while I would rather pay less what I get for what I pay cannot be found anywhere else at this time. Even from streaming sites. I just have far greater control through cable. I do understand the drag of calling to cancel a cable service. But the reality is there is absolutely no reason to call and temproarily cancel. Unlike with streaming services. I’ve heard of people… Read more »

September 15, 2017 1:36 pm

Curious Cadet

@Kirok — the only take away I got from that explanation is this: “And there are even some levels I would like to get but don’t because there are other ways to get the content”

What other ways are there to get content you want to see without paying for additional cable packages? Clearly there’s content you want to see that isn’t offered in your current cable package, which sounds an awful lot like DISC. But DISC aside, what are these things and how do you get them now?

Oh the other remark I noticed was the claim you don’t pay for stuff you never watch — which I assume you mean because your family is otherwise watching the stuff you yourself don’t watch?

But if you want to talk convenience, there’s nothing more convenient that ON DEMAND!! There’s no programming to do, no cleaning off the Hard Drive on the DVR, no worrying about watching shows before they automatically roll off the DVR, no worrying that you forgot to schedule a show you wanted to watch, or find out about after the fact. The DVR is going the way of the dodo in a very few short years.

September 16, 2017 9:33 am

Kirok

@Curious Cadet I’ve had a Netflix account for quite some time. That picks up the slack from the premium channels I do not want to pay for. The difference from Discovery there is there is no evidence Discovery will be made available to Netflix after it’s run on CBSAA. It might given the deal they have with Netflix regarding the international distribution. But I wouldn’t bet on it. We shall see once the season is over. I’m going to go ahead and jump over the CBS hurdles for the first season but if it IS on Netflix after I’m dropping CBSAA for good. No reason to pay for two services that both provide the same thing. When I say I don’t pay for stuff I don’t watch that is not entirely true. But you, as a streamer, do the exact same thing unless you watch every item in your providers library. Let me put it this way… I only pay for the tiers that have content I want to see at the rates I’m willing to pay. I do not use the On Demand function. It has commercials in it that you cannot forward through. The only time I have used it is when the DVR missed something that I really wanted to see. Which is quite a rare thing to be honest. Programming the DVR is at least on par with searching through the on demand. At least for me on my system. And is punching the “erase” key… Read more »

September 18, 2017 9:17 am

TUP

But do you use Netflix to stream or just to rent discs?

September 18, 2017 9:51 am

Danpaine

Agreed, Cadet. When I ‘cut the cord’ my bill went from about $260 a month (for cable) to about $130 (which is about to increase to $138 if I add CBSAA) for just internet access and add-on channels. The savings is noteworthy, and now I just see what I want. I don’t bother with cancelling/re-signing because every service I subscribe to has year-round offerings we like.

September 15, 2017 1:39 pm

TUP

There will be pain during transition when there are good shows on cable and good shows on OTT. But in the end, we’re entering a world where the competition will be based on quality of programming, period.

That is good for consumers. Networks and studios will take more chances and spend money to create good content. The risks are lower for them to a degree. If they take a chance on something and it doesnt work, its content they own they can add to their library as “gravy” for subscribers.

September 15, 2017 1:50 pm

Kirok

@Danpine

Wow! My cable is less than $130 a month. And yes, I pay for more than just basic. There are lower priced options. And you still get a ton of great service.

September 15, 2017 2:44 pm

Danpaine

Hey, good for you, Kirok. If that kind of price was available in my area I’d still have cable. That $260 bill I had was three years ago, I can only imagine what it would be now. Two choices of companies, Verizon or Comcast, no noticeable difference in price.

Either way, though, we both still have to buy into CBSAA to see a DISC….

September 15, 2017 3:26 pm

DIGINON

Sorry, but those prices just sound ridiculous to me. I currently pay 20 Euro/month for internet and I think there are 5-10 Euros/month included in my rent for cable. I will now have to subscribe to Netflix to be able to watch Discovery.

September 15, 2017 4:34 pm

TUP

My parents have cable included on their rent too. Which helps. They pay extra for good internet though as cell service in their building sucks and they have a large apartment. Plus extras like Netflix and BBC

Me, I have a big bill. I like fast internet. I had to upgrade a tier about two or three years ago because of increased wifi use. I pay for Netflix. I pay for HBO and movie Chanells. I have Space.

Definitely relate to people who complain about the big bills. But since my cable, internet and home phone are one bill it makes me think it’s fair lol

September 16, 2017 10:47 am

Kirok

I don’t know what you had, Danpaine. So I cannot seem what a comperable package would cost here.

But yeah. It sure does seem like the one and only one way to see STD is to pay the cbs corporation. Doubtful it will be available any other way anytime soon.

September 18, 2017 9:21 am

TUP

So you prefer the model where instead of CBS selling you content directly, you pay through a middle man?

September 18, 2017 9:50 am

Curious Cadet

@Kirok — you do understand cable systems are monopolies? And are owned by different entities throughout the country. My mother pays a tiny little cable company that’s been the only provider in her area since the 1980s. And she has limited content and pays through the nose for it. But there’s no other choice but satellite, and she won’t put a dish on her roof. I’m getting the sense you’re speaking solely from your limited perspective and arguing your opinions in the face of a much larger picture.

September 16, 2017 9:25 am

Kirok

@Curious Cadet

Yes they are. That is indeed a negative. Personally I have always wished for more competition with tv providers. It’s why the Feds have to step in to control rates to varying degrees of success. But I’m not looking only from my perspective. That is what you are doing. Assuming that because it works for you therefore it works for everyone else.

Firefly was on Friday nights in the US, so not many sports pre-emptions I can recall. But I remember that for Futurama all the time. Also, I never lived where there was an actual dedicated UPN station. Guess when Voyager and Enterprise were broadcast on our local Fox channel? Sundays at 9pm Central. Had to allow at least 30 mins extra recording time during football season.

September 15, 2017 6:50 pm

Disinvited

Speaking of FUTURAMA a new episode in RADIORAMA:

September 15, 2017 7:31 pm

BruceOHughes

How long in the US until it’s on Netflix? End of the first season?

September 15, 2017 8:46 am

Danpaine

No word that it will Ever be on Netflix in the U.S., Bruce.

September 15, 2017 10:39 am

TUP

Would make sense not to be. Although if I recall, their original plan was to pull all star trek from Netflix and use All Access as the exclusive OTT home. And that changed as part of their deal with Netflix for Discovery.

So probably Netflix gets Discovery after some period in time has elapsed.

September 15, 2017 10:59 am

Kirok

@BruceOHughes

My guess will be never. It would undermine CBS’s ability to get and keep subscribers.

September 15, 2017 10:43 am

Curious Cadet

@Kirok — on the other hand, it’s also a proven way to help a studio build interest in a series. I wouldn’t be surprised if CBS doesn’t put DISC on Netflix next year prior to the debut of Season 2. Then Netflix subscribers who weren’t aware of DISC, or who weren’t interested enough in DISC to subscribe to CBSAA, get a chance to see it and may like it enough to then sign up for CBSAA in order to see the second season live.

September 15, 2017 12:36 pm

Kirok

@Curious Cadet

Given Netflix’s involvement that would not be beyond the realm of possibility. If they did that, however after the first Trek season I would never subscribe to AA again. Why should I if I have Netflix too? I’m still getting Trek. And it would not be the first show I watch long after the season ends. I suspect I would not be alone in that.

September 15, 2017 1:40 pm

TUP

First run original content drives subs. Thats why The Good Fight is now available elseware. It stopped driving subs. Its an add on though.

For those of you getting AA for Star Trek, maybe you’ll try Good Fight and like it (it has a GoT actress on it).

So, Cadet hit on a good idea. If Netflix gets Season 1 before season 2 next year, it raises interest. If people who were interested in Discovery but for whatever reason were not going to get AA, they might watch it on Netflix next year and decide its worth subbing to AA.

There are many people who feel “Ill catch it on disc” or “Ill catch it on Netflix” about many shows/films. But if you really like something, there is no substitution for watching it as it airs.

September 15, 2017 1:48 pm

Kirok

Would I like to see GoT when it airs without spoilers? Sure. Is it worth paying for the next tier of cable or for the streaming service? Absolutely not. Not when I can pay nothing more and see it later. I would trust that cbs is aware enough to know that a lot of people feel that way. Which is why I think it unlikely they will make their flagship show available to Netflix. Hell, even Netflix drags their heels when releasing their own content to discs! Obviously it’s a ploy to get more people away from discs to go streaming.

September 15, 2017 2:50 pm

Curious Cadet

@Kirok — seriously, stop looking at this from your sole perspective. Have you seen the live ratings for for first run GoT? Yes, CBS and HBO are well aware that many customers will wait and binge shows long after the fact — they also know that there’s a massive audience who will be so invested in the series that they will want to watch the night it premieres. Guess which pool is bigger? And guess what, CBS still makes money off of DISC whether they watch on Netflix or CBSAA. In time, that arrangement will likely change and you won’t get to watch on Netflix anymore. But even then, for those willing to put up with a minor inconvenience — and you have stated over and over again you are not — there will be customers who sign up to CBSAA for a couple of months out of the year, binge everything they want to see and cancel. And CBS knows that too! You’re really thinking about all of this from a very limited perspective as if CBS hasn’t thought of all of this and will somehow fail because of viewers like yourself. But Your viewing habits are the exception to the rule here, not the other way around.

September 16, 2017 9:41 am

TUP

Yes Kirok. Great. Good for you. So don’t watch it. Maybe you can order it on disc in a year. Stop trying to convince everyone to embrace your perspective.

September 16, 2017 10:40 am

Kirok

So because you agree with Curious Cadet he is not trying to convince everyone to embrace what he does but I am?

I’ve only spoken about thing from my perspective. Never told anyone they should do what I do. And unlike others, I’ve never claimed what I do was what was done by the majority of Americans. Even if it wasn’t.

September 18, 2017 9:44 am

TUP

@kirok – you go on and on with the same lame arguments that have been talked to death. You use false facts to support your negative bias. You’ve been doing it for a long time (under a different handle).

September 18, 2017 9:49 am

Kirok

@Curious Cadet When it comes to what I want and what I value at what price then I will continue to use my own subjective point of view. Just as you are using your own subjective point of view when you make the same assessment. The difference is I’m not sitting here telling you you should do what I do and that “most” people do what I do. What you consider to be a “minor” inconvenience is not universally shared by all. Yes, CBS is aware of those who will only pay for a short time and have obviously taken steps to try and hinder that by making it a weekly show and even taking a midseason break. They are aware but obviously want to keep that behavior to a bare minimum. There are indeed elements that make it appear like CBS hasn’t thought it through. But most likely they have and decided they don’t care about getting still more subscribers by making things as easy as they could. For the record, I have never said my viewing habits are the rule. You are saying that about yourself. When I was speaking about my viewing habits I was speaking about myself. I thought that was self evident. But the fact is, while streaming is rather prevalent, it is still not the primary TV viewing source for the majority of Americans. It may be. But we are still a very long way away from that.

September 18, 2017 9:39 am

TUP

Also Netflix doesn’t have to use ploys to get ppl away from discs. That side of their business is So small. It’s a tiny fraction of their business. And shrinking.

People still renting from Netflix are akin to those that still have VHS when discs took off. It’s fine and dandy for you if you prefer that but it’s going away.

September 16, 2017 10:42 am

Kirok

It really seems they are. What used to come out on disc at the same time as streaming now either is delayed or doesn’t come out at all. That certainly seems like a method to get folks off discs. But regardless, their disc side of the business made 50% of their income last year and basically is what is keeping Netflix solvent. And if more studios cut ties like Disney said they would it would seem that Netflix will be needing their disc side more than ever in the coming years.

Now grow a brain. You cherrypick info that you dont understand because you read somewhere about 50% profit. yeah, the disk rental side has a 50% profit margin. Do you understand?? Do I need to explain to you what that means?

Its expected Netflix will axe the division in the next 4 years or so.

Good grief. You’re a broken record. You changed your handle to get away from this and then repeat the same lies to attack a network ad nauseam because you dont understand.

Enough. PLEASE. lol

September 19, 2017 12:09 pm

TUP

the :30 time is odd for a one hour show.

Oddly, one of the Canadian channels here is advertising a start time of 7:00, so half an hour before the US debut. So I will actually have 30 minutes of spoilers before the rest of you! lol

September 15, 2017 8:51 am

Ensign Ricky

I will not subscribe to yet another streaming service. Sorry CBS. Pretty soon each network will have their own. I already pay too much to watch television.

September 15, 2017 8:52 am

Kirok

@ricky

That seems to be a rather common complaint. And it is a totally legitimate one. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

September 15, 2017 10:48 am

TUP

Sure. And yes, every network will have their own. Its like going back to the days of 6 channels, the 7th being added and saying damn it, I cant watch more than 6 channels so who are they kidding.

In time, we adapt to changes in technology. If anyone wants to fight streaming, good luck. You will be the minority. Im sure somewhere, someone is watching old VHS tapes.

September 15, 2017 10:58 am

Kirok

No, it’s not like that at all. It’s more like BUYING more of something you already have. If you wee already buying something and they threw in more stuff for the same price, hot damn! But if they charge you for it? No thanks. I pay enough. At least that is the attitude I am detecting here.

September 15, 2017 12:17 pm

TUP

If you’re saying that Star Trek doesnt interest you enough to pay for it, then you’re not the target demo.

For example, I like The New Girl. I watch the New Girl. But if the New Girl was moved to an OTT where it cost me $1.50 per episode, I’d probably not bother (the gf might though).

If Modern Family or Goldbergs were $1.50 per episode, I would pay. Because I like them enough to pay.

As it is, I’d pay for All Access. Just. For. Discovery. Because I love Star Trek. I also like The Good Fight. Im also Canadian but I pay for Space. And will have to continue to pay for Space to watch Discovery.

September 15, 2017 12:41 pm

Kirok

I need more than one show to justify such a move. When it comes down to it I probably pay a few cents tops (likely less) for each episode I watch. If suddenly I was told I had to go ala carte and pay a thousand times more per episode than I already was I’d watch precious little at all. It’s a MAJOR rate hike. What other service asks for 1000% rate hikes?

September 15, 2017 1:45 pm

TUP

Great. So you’re not the target demo. So don’t watch it then. Are you waiting to rent it on disc?

September 16, 2017 10:35 am

Kirok

So are there other services you’d be willing to pay 1000% rate hike for no problem? Or only TV is worth that?

September 18, 2017 9:51 am

TUP

I’d pay whatever I deem reasonable for a product I value. If I want a choclate bar and it costs $1 Ill buy it. if it costs $6 maybe I wont. maybe I really want that chocolate bar. Who knows. Whats it to you?

Are you really trying to argue the merits of CBS’ business model based on your personal preference? Lots of people used to pay a lot more to sign to HBO for one show. It happens. Netflix jumps for its big releases too.

DO you not understand?

September 19, 2017 12:11 pm

TUP

I know you Kirok ;)

September 16, 2017 10:34 am

Curious Cadet

@Ensign Ricky — so what’s your plan then? Just not gonna watch DISC?

September 15, 2017 12:59 pm

marty

You want to know how to make CBS All Access a success? Release the new episode of Big Bang Theory five days ahead on CBS All Access from the airtime.
Instant 5 million subscribers.

How not to get this off the ground? Show half a Star Trek episode, probably delayed after football, on a Sunday night, try and get people to subscribe for 8 months to get 15 episodes.

I’ll probably subscribe, at least for a month or so. If its super great, I’ll probably continue – or I’ll just pick it back up in April and binge over a week.

September 15, 2017 9:17 am

TUP

So you’re saying the best way to NOT get subs is to do exactly what is getting you to sub?

September 15, 2017 10:56 am

Arggggggh

You can also wait for a couple of months, when CBS, in a panic that not enough people have signed up for CBS All-Access, makes it available via other means.

September 15, 2017 9:58 am

Danpaine

….which would hopefully include the option to purchase the season on ITunes, so I could own it, and wouldn’t have to keep paying for a service I don’t want.

September 15, 2017 10:41 am

TUP

I wouldnt get my hopes up. They will have an internal number of subs they want. Its not about Day One numbers, its about growth over time.

If there are 12 million people willing to watch a TV debut, you extrapolate a number that will find it via sub. Didnt they say they eventually wanted 4 million? And had close to 2 after The Good Fight debuted? So its not crazy growth.

September 15, 2017 10:54 am

Danpaine

Admittedly, my hopes are not up, TUP.

September 15, 2017 10:56 am

TUP

I might be wrong. As Ahmed pointed out above, The Good Fight is available on iTunes.

It will depend how they see Star Trek. As I pointed out, generally archival content is not a big driver. original content is. So if CBS is faced with Discovery “re runs” not driving subs, why not license them out and make some money?

Which also fuels the idea that CBS might want a second Trek series to have more original content all year (sort of like Fear The Walking Dead). If Discovery drives new subs…which we have no idea about yet.

September 15, 2017 11:55 am

Ahmed

@Arggggggh,

‘The Good Fight’, the other CBS All Access exclusive, is now available on Vudu & iTunes after just five months from the finale.

September 15, 2017 11:22 am

TUP

Makes sense. One thing people have to keep in mind, archives are not big drivers of business. They will all talk about the archives like they are, because they are vast and want to monetize them. But they are gravy.

Original programming is the main driver of subs.

So letting episodes of Good Fight or Star Trek make the rounds later isnt a terrible idea assuming CBS is getting paid for them.

September 15, 2017 11:53 am

marty

IF you have to post a HOWTO on where to watch a TV program, that might not be so good for the program.

September 15, 2017 10:51 am

MRFC

Correction: Commercial free option is $9.99 not $7.99

September 15, 2017 10:59 am

jonboc

…signed up for my free trial. Hope it’s worth keeping…the CBS content is pretty abysmal, considering the catalog of TV at their disposal. And most of the programming is already available on other services like Netlfix and amazon. As far as Trek goes, I really can’t stand what I’ve seen so far from the star of Discovery. That’s a pretty big deal. If the series revolves around a bad actress and she has to carry the lion’s share of the dialog, I won’t be around for long.

September 15, 2017 12:26 pm

TUP

CBS needs good original programming if they want All Access to be successful. And it takes a huge investment.

If I were them, I’d begin by simulcasting CBS network shows or at least getting them on AA ASAP. But isnt Netflix going something like $20 billion in debt to finance new original content? Its super expensive.

As for the lead, she’s a good actor. I think she’s being directed this way, to be flat…wooden…Vulcan! We shall see.

But I agree, she HAS to be good for this to work.

September 15, 2017 12:39 pm

Kirok

“But isnt Netflix going something like $20 billion in debt to finance new original content?”

Something like that. And they would be out of business if it weren’t for the profits from the disc rental side. CBS would need to be propped up by SOMETHING. But thus far the stuff they said is a part of CBSAA (like their streaming news and the NFL) hold zero interest to me. Even if I did care about the NFL why would I pay for AA? It’s on over the air every Sunday still. Pretty much the only sport you DON’T need cable for today.

Regarding the abilities of the main actress… I’ve never seen her in anything before. Never watched The Walking Dead. So I can judge when I see her in Trek.

September 15, 2017 2:57 pm

Curious Cadet

@Kirok — you really should take a look at CBS assets and holdings, they have a massive outdoor billboard business subsidizing the entire company, among other things. Netflix disk rentals are falling dramatically, so even they won’t have that soon. And when Disney pulls all their movies in a couple of years, about the time disc rentals collapse, Netflix is really going to have a problem, whereas CBSAA will be fully funded and CBS Studios will be expanding to produce new content for it. Just like ATT will be subsidizing Warner Bros productions to support their streaming service about to launch TITANS next year. Seriously, you’ve limited your perspective so much to the hear and now that you’re missing the very obvious future that major multi nationals are lining up to make the next content delivery method model. It’s not about selling you the ultimate value for your dollar, but rather streamlining the pipeline of production and distribution, to vertically integrate their businesses and controlling everything, without having to share profits with third parties. In the end, they will have to compete on quality of content in order to get the customers dollar, thereby giving the consumer the best choice for their investment.

September 16, 2017 9:52 am

Kirok

@Curious Cadet Netflix will indeed have a problem but it won’t be nearly as big as you seem to think. It seems they will become reliant on the disc side more than since their startup days. What CBSAA may or may not have on their service is completely unknown. But if is similar to their over the air content it likely will still not hold any interest for me. There is currently more on Hulu that interests me than on the entire CBS television network. But that’s just me. I am aware that CBS does have some rather popular programs. Of course I’m looking at the here and now. 2027 hasn’t arrived yet. If I’m in the market for a new car, I’m going to look at the 2018’s. Not think about what the 2028’s will have. As a consumer, it certainly is about me getting the best value for MY dollar. Just as it is with you and every other consumer. We all make subjective decisions based on what each of us value. When new formats and platforms arrive, we will continue to make that assessment. But only at the time things happen. If it is better for consumes, awesome! We don’t know it will be. Speculating where it is heading it really seems like streamers will get bundled and sold through cable-like entities, however. Will you still be championing how great it is for the consumer should that happen?

September 18, 2017 10:05 am

TUP

Kirok you sound very familiar. Lol

NO Netflix is not propped up by profits from the disk rental side lol

September 16, 2017 10:33 am

Kirok

I guess you do t believe what is reported in the trades then. No biggie.

September 18, 2017 10:05 am

TUP

@Kirok – site a source. You simply do not understand.

Netflix has over 90 million streaming subs and about 4 million rental subs. Use your brain.

September 19, 2017 12:12 pm

Danpaine

I’ve said the same thing about Martin-Green, jonboc. But TUP may be right. In The Walking Dead, she played a pretty unlikeable character (to me), and so far we’ve seen she’s playing an unemotional one. Maybe we just haven’t seen a good example of her talents yet.

But yes, if she’s simply not a good actress, that’s going to take me out of the show pretty quick.

September 15, 2017 1:43 pm

TUP

I didnt like her character on TWD at first but she grew on me. I thought she was a good actor.

@Matt — and that’s the worst part here. Maybe season 2? That would certainly give CBSAA an edge over last seasons episodes they may license to Netflix as marketing for season 2. That also gives people a reason to sign up for CBSAA even if they already have Netflix, to watch the first season in 4K HDR. If any series needs HDR it’s a darkly styled scifi space show!

September 16, 2017 9:46 am

TUP

My tv will up concert to a degree. Maybe the DVD release will be 4K. That would be a nice hook

September 16, 2017 10:31 am

ziplock9000

Upconversions / Upscaling is just fakery, you simply can’t get something from nothing. Also, 4K is not available on DVD.

September 16, 2017 8:18 pm

TUP

1) I know upconverting is not as good as the real thing but its something.

2) Dont be obtuse unless youre a certain someone who used to post here and go on and on anytime someone used “DVD” or “Disc” as a catch all for the technology of compact discs including Blu Ray.

I mean, if I have a big beautiful new 4K TV why on earth would I buy a DVD?

September 18, 2017 9:47 am

Joe Kewl

Part 2 pay for makes it very easy to forget part 1 and the entire series

September 15, 2017 10:52 pm

Rachel

Yeah, I’m not gonna subscribe to a streaming service just for one show. I already pay for Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon. If it can’t come to one of those, then I’m not gonna watch it. I’m not made of money.

September 15, 2017 11:35 pm

Randy Pierce

I pay the monthly fee for Netflix, because I watch so many shows on there. I don’t want to pay a monthly fee for only one show. I don’t understand how anyone would. I can’t think of anything else on CBS that I want to pay extra to see, so it would be just one show.

September 16, 2017 6:20 am

TUP

Would you pay $1.50 an episode for Star Trek? Or is that too much?

September 16, 2017 10:31 am

ziplock9000

Read what he said.

September 16, 2017 8:19 pm

TUP

I did. Did you?

September 18, 2017 9:46 am

ziplock9000

What time on Netflix? Midnight?

September 16, 2017 8:10 pm

Claus

I am glad I can watch the show on Netflix right from the start. Normally, outside US, we have to wait at least 6 months or even much longer before we get access to all your shows

September 17, 2017 7:15 am

Gary 8.5

Will the pilot episode be available at CBS.com for even a limited time?
It is debuting on CBS after all.

September 17, 2017 10:40 pm

par

I have to agree with most of the posts I have read. I don’t want to subscribe to cbs access to watch one show. I subscribe to Amazon prime which offers me a vast amount of variety for the 99 a year membership. I read books free, buy books on a discount and during the Christmas I can sit back and relax and do my Christmas shopping. Watching one program for almost the amount pay to watch Netflix..NO. I can appreciate streaming is the future but being nickled and dimed for every little program is going to cost more than cable.

September 18, 2017 9:23 am

Scott

Due to this All-Access nonsense, a lifelong fan will NOT be watching, or paying to watch, this new series.

September 20, 2017 8:01 am

Valwen

I understand the point behind streaming, I cut cable and go the Netflix/Prime/Psvue route. But there is no way I’m going to pay $10 to watch one show. There is nothing else CBSAA has to offer that I have the slightest interest in.

September 21, 2017 4:49 pm

Nancy

I won’t be watching either since I’m not willing to pay another streaming Channel fee for one show so I will just wait for it to show up on Netflix Sunday since I already have that. it seems like they could have made tons of Revenue through advertising on their regular free Channel but maybe not. I know plenty of people who won’t be watching.

September 23, 2017 1:30 pm

Jason Koch

I am a huge Big Brother fan and also a huge Star Trek fan. However, I also pay too much for cable/wifi. There is no way I am going to pay even more to CBS. I did not subscribe for BBOT and will not subscribe for STD. However, I do also have Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime. My kids watch YouTube and my wife likes to watch OnDemand…

September 24, 2017 6:31 am

Scotty

I’m a huge fan, but I’m out. I won’t pay CBS for this. They would have been better off charging $2-$3 for a commercial-free ALL-Access option, but left it free on standard TV. For some reason (financials), they thought they could screw all the Trekkies for $6/mo, but you will never convince me that a limited streaming revenue is better than 5-10 million eyeballs on broadcast TV. It’s a hell of a gamble…

September 24, 2017 8:07 pm

Rollie

I don’t know anything about this outlandwhatever it is but I do know trek! I setup to record the first episode of discovery only to have half of it cut by sports and find I can’t view it online without signing up for some service I don’t want and don’t care for Bah! I’ll skip it rather than sign up! It’s not like I got into it or anything and if they make it long term it’ll be on some other thing I have or can get anyway. But I won’t pay for streaming it special or separate from another service I already have IE Hulu or Netflix.